Katniss Everdeen:
The main protagonist of The Hunger Games, the story centers around and is narrated by the sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen. She is described as having olive skin, black hair, and grey eyes. Named after a plant that grows in the woods, Katniss is a dextrous huntress, particularly skilled with the bow and arrow. She can be described as a realist; she takes everything around her as it is (a more in-depth evaluation of Katniss Everdeen can be found in the Major Character Analysis page).
Primrose Everdeen:
The twelve-year-old sister of Katniss. Despite being close to her sister, the two have almost nothing in common; “Prim” possesses blue eyes and blonde hair, like their mother, and absolutely abhors the idea of hunting and killing animals. Young and innocent, Primrose enjoys spending time with her pet goat, which exemplifies the kind nature of the younger Everdeen sister.
Gale Hawthorne:
An eighteen-year-old inhabitant of District 12, Gale and Katniss met each other whilst hunting in the woods, and have been hunting partners ever since. Gale can be mistaken for Katniss’ nonexistant older brother; they both have olive skin and dark hair. Gale’s jovial and exuberant demeanor gives comfort to Katniss during long hunts in the woods.
Effie Trinket:
A woman representative from the Capitol that also serves as an escort for the District 12 tributes Katniss and Peeta, Effie Trinket can be easily distinguished through her atypical pink hair. Despite initially disliking District 12 and oblivious to its obvious financial difficulties, Effie Trinket grows to love the District 12 tributes. Many in the District make fun of Effie Trinket’s overly-effervescent personality that at many times comes off as peculiar.
Haymitch Abernathy: Described as a portly, middle-aged man, Haymitch Abernathy is actually one of only two District 12 winners of the Hunger Games. Despite spending most of his bacchanalian lifestyle under the influence of alcohol and often being the main point of ridicule in the District, Haymitch serves as a tutor for the District 12 tributes Katniss and Peeta, which later reveals his unparalleled intelligence.
Peeta Mellark:
The other main protagonist of The Hunger Games as well as District 12’s other tribute, sixteen-year-old Peeta Mallark is described as being stocky and having blond hair and blue eyes. Peeta is the son of a baker, and is good with baking related skills, such as frosting. Inside the Games, Peeta’s easygoing demeanor and positive attitude comforted the more fatalistic Katniss.
Cinna:
A relatively new fashion designer from the Capitol, Cinna worked for the District 12 tributes and created successful outfits for them. Described as considerably normal compared to the curious fashion senses of the rest of the Capitol, Cinna develops a strong bond with Katniss Everdeen during the games. The fashion enthusiast also differs from the rest of the Capitol by viewing the Hunger Games as a barbaric means of entertainment rather than a fun sporting event.
Cato:
The main antagonist throughout the last third of the book and the male tribute of District 1, Cato, was the last tribute to be killed before the end of the games. He is described as being both strong and immense, and has no trouble killing other tributes by personal means. His cruel and ruthless demeanor can be see through his strategy through the games; he is often the first one to hunt down and kill other tributes.
Rue:
A twelve-year-old female tribute from District 11, she is described as having dark hair and brown eyes. Rue reminded Katniss about her own sister, Primrose, and she soon formed an alliance with the District 11 tribute. Rue’s quiet and shy demeanor can be seen through her strategy throughout the games: to hide up in the trees until everyone else loses. Rue was soon killed in the games, which triggered a deep emotional response from Katniss.
The Hunger Games
By Suzanne Collins
Character List
(In order of appearance)
Katniss Everdeen:
The main protagonist of The Hunger Games, the story centers around and is narrated by the sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen. She is described as having olive skin, black hair, and grey eyes. Named after a plant that grows in the woods, Katniss is a dextrous huntress, particularly skilled with the bow and arrow. She can be described as a realist; she takes everything around her as it is (a more in-depth evaluation of Katniss Everdeen can be found in the Major Character Analysis page).
Primrose Everdeen:
The twelve-year-old sister of Katniss. Despite being close to her sister, the two have almost nothing in common; “Prim” possesses blue eyes and blonde hair, like their mother, and absolutely abhors the idea of hunting and killing animals. Young and innocent, Primrose enjoys spending time with her pet goat, which exemplifies the kind nature of the younger Everdeen sister.
Gale Hawthorne:
An eighteen-year-old inhabitant of District 12, Gale and Katniss met each other whilst hunting in the woods, and have been hunting partners ever since. Gale can be mistaken for Katniss’ nonexistant older brother; they both have olive skin and dark hair. Gale’s jovial and exuberant demeanor gives comfort to Katniss during long hunts in the woods.
Effie Trinket:
A woman representative from the Capitol that also serves as an escort for the District 12 tributes Katniss and Peeta, Effie Trinket can be easily distinguished through her atypical pink hair. Despite initially disliking District 12 and oblivious to its obvious financial difficulties, Effie Trinket grows to love the District 12 tributes. Many in the District make fun of Effie Trinket’s overly-effervescent personality that at many times comes off as peculiar.
Haymitch Abernathy: Described as a portly, middle-aged man, Haymitch Abernathy is actually one of only two District 12 winners of the Hunger Games. Despite spending most of his bacchanalian lifestyle under the influence of alcohol and often being the main point of ridicule in the District, Haymitch serves as a tutor for the District 12 tributes Katniss and Peeta, which later reveals his unparalleled intelligence.
Peeta Mellark:
The other main protagonist of The Hunger Games as well as District 12’s other tribute, sixteen-year-old Peeta Mallark is described as being stocky and having blond hair and blue eyes. Peeta is the son of a baker, and is good with baking related skills, such as frosting. Inside the Games, Peeta’s easygoing demeanor and positive attitude comforted the more fatalistic Katniss.
Cinna:
A relatively new fashion designer from the Capitol, Cinna worked for the District 12 tributes and created successful outfits for them. Described as considerably normal compared to the curious fashion senses of the rest of the Capitol, Cinna develops a strong bond with Katniss Everdeen during the games. The fashion enthusiast also differs from the rest of the Capitol by viewing the Hunger Games as a barbaric means of entertainment rather than a fun sporting event.
Cato:
The main antagonist throughout the last third of the book and the male tribute of District 1, Cato, was the last tribute to be killed before the end of the games. He is described as being both strong and immense, and has no trouble killing other tributes by personal means. His cruel and ruthless demeanor can be see through his strategy through the games; he is often the first one to hunt down and kill other tributes.
Rue:
A twelve-year-old female tribute from District 11, she is described as having dark hair and brown eyes. Rue reminded Katniss about her own sister, Primrose, and she soon formed an alliance with the District 11 tribute. Rue’s quiet and shy demeanor can be seen through her strategy throughout the games: to hide up in the trees until everyone else loses. Rue was soon killed in the games, which triggered a deep emotional response from Katniss.